Key Takeaways
- Upright carpet cleaners are best for deep cleaning large areas, while portable models handle smaller messes and spot cleaning.
- Strong suction and brush systems are essential for removing embedded dirt and stains effectively.
- Tank size impacts both cleaning time and overall machine weight.
- Extra features like attachments and quick-drying features improve versatility and convenience.
- Proper prep and technique, like vacuuming first and cleaning slowly, lead to better results.
Types of Carpet Cleaners
Carpet cleaners come in many sizes, powers levels and options. In addition to carpets, some carpet cleaners can also be used on other surfaces like rugs, upholstery and bare floors. In this guide, we’ll go over the different types, explaining their features in detail.
Upright Carpet Cleaners
Upright carpet cleaners are useful for lifting dirt and stains that vacuum cleaners leave behind. They’re ideal for cleaning high-traffic areas and large spaces. Upright carpet cleaners look similar to vacuum cleaners. They offer deep cleaning and some come with two chambers or tanks. One chamber contains clean water and formula while the other holds dirty water after it’s sucked back up. These separate tanks ensure that you’ll never get dirty water back on the carpet.
Most carpet cleaners come with attachments like long hoses which allow for increased reach and reduced strain to clean stains or messes on stairs and other hard-to-reach areas. They’re especially useful if you have pets because they remove embedded dirt and allergens.
What to Look For When Buying an Upright Carpet Cleaner
Most carpet cleaners can clean, but you want to choose one with features that matter. It’s not just about convenience. It directly affects how well your carpets are cleaned and how long they last. But most important, it should meet your specific needs. Let’s look at some of the top features.
Cleaning Power
Choose a carpet cleaner with strong suction and a good brush system that removes dirt and stains from deep within the carpet fibers. Look for carpet cleaners with multiple rows of brushes to remove stubborn, embedded dirt.
Tank Size
Choose a tank size appropriate for your home. If you have a large home, select a cleaner with a big tank so you don’t have to keep refilling the clean water tank and emptying the dirty tank.
Weight and Ease of Use
Prioritize weight and ease of use based on your home size and your physical comfort. Bulky machines can be hard to use and store. Lightweight cleaners are easier to carry and maneuver. Find your middle ground and get the best of both worlds.
Filling both tanks can add 4 to 12 pounds, making a lightweight carpet cleaner feel heavier during use — especially as the dirty tank fills.
Features and Attachments
Extra tools on board make the carpet cleaner more versatile. Here are a few features to look for based on your needs.
- Pet tools for hair and odors
- Upholstery tools for the sofa, car, stairs, etc.
- Long hose or cord for reach
Quick Drying Features
There’s no need to wait hours for a dry carpet. Select a model with a quick-drying feature. It’ll reduce the risk of your carpet becoming moldy or smelly.
Portable Carpet Cleaners
Portable carpet cleaners are compact, movable machines designed for cleaning carpets that aren’t full-sized upright models.
The characteristics of a portable carpet cleaner are nearly identical to an upright, except its small size and portability.
- Small to medium (eight to fifteen pounds)
- Dual, removable water tanks
- Flexible hose, four to six feet long
- Power cord (about 15 to 20 feet)
- Manual scrubbing brush
- Concentrated suction
Portable carpet cleaners are easy to use and budget friendly, but don’t let their size fool you. They’re powerful enough to pull dirt out of carpet fibers. They’re best for general, everyday stain removal and pet stains.
Spot cleaners, a smaller type of portable cleaner, are designed to target immediate accidents and small stains, like pet accidents or wine spills, while portable carpet cleaners emphasize versatility for non-floor surfaces like couches, mattresses and car seats.
Using Your New Carpet Cleaner
There are a few steps to consider when using your carpet cleaner. They’ll make cleaning much easier.
- Vacuum first to remove loose dirt and prep fibers.
- Pre-treat stains and let the solution sit.
- Clean slowly and evenly for better results.
- Monitor and empty the dirty tank before it’s full.
- Refill with hot water as needed to continue cleaning.
- Let carpet air dry, using fans if needed.
Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a Carpet Cleaner
Keep the following things in mind when choosing a carpet cleaner:
- Ease of use: Upright carpet cleaners are comparatively heavy and are best suited for cleaning large areas. Handheld carpet cleaners are good for smaller cleaning purposes.
- Storage: Upright carpet cleaners require a large storage space. Handheld carpet cleaners need less storage space. They’re easily stored on a shelf or in a closet.
- Specific features: If you need to clean up pet hair or allergens, purchase a cleaner that tackles those issues. Also consider the level of cleaning power you’ll need.
Find the Right Carpet Cleaner for Your Home
Keeping your carpets clean doesn’t need to be complicated when you have the right tools on hand. Whether you need a powerful upright for deep cleaning or a portable cleaner for quick messes and cleaning immediate accidents, choosing the right model makes all the difference. With the right features, you can extend the life of your carpets and keep your home looking its best.
Shop online at your convenience or come to your local Lowe’s where a Lowe’s Red Vest associate can help you select the carpet cleaner that fits your needs.
Carpet Cleaner FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions that may help you as you shop for carpet cleaners.